When you think about the cost of living in Houston, utility bills may not be the first thing that comes to mind. But for many families, keeping the lights and air conditioning on is one of the hardest monthly expenses to manage. That is why the news that only 5,000 people will receive help out of the 100,000 who applied for assistance is leaving many Houstonians worried and frustrated.
This situation raises some tough questions: why is demand so high, why is there so little help available, and what happens to everyone who gets left out?
Why are so many Houstonians applying for utility bill assistance
The numbers say it all. More than 100,000 people applied for help this year, which is four times higher than the usual 20,000 to 25,000 applications. That tells you how serious the problem has become.
Here are some of the main reasons:
- Soaring energy bills – Electricity prices have been climbing faster than inflation. In the middle of Houston’s sweltering summer, air conditioning is not a luxury, it is survival.
- Ongoing impacts from past disasters – The 2021 winter storm left behind high costs from grid repairs that still show up on bills.
- Inflation and daily living costs – Groceries, rent, and gas are all more expensive. When every dollar is stretched, a high power bill can tip a family over the edge.
When you add all of these together, it makes sense why so many households are desperate for help.
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How does the application system work
The program is run locally by the nonprofit BakerRipley. They manage funds from the Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP), which is a federal program. The money comes from the government, but there is only so much to go around.
- Texas received $187 million in LIHEAP funds in 2025.
- Out of that, about $32 million went to Harris, Brazoria, Galveston, and Fort Bend counties combined.
- BakerRipley can only accept applications in short windows, because demand overwhelms their system.
Earlier this month, the online portal crashed because so many people—over 100,000—tried to apply at the same time. Some people waited for hours, but still could not get through. This shows you just how tight and stressful the process has become.
Why are energy bills rising in Texas
You might be wondering why your electricity bill keeps climbing. The reasons are complicated, but here are the big ones:
- Inflation across the country is raising costs.
- Utilities are charging more to repair storm damage and upgrade old infrastructure.
- Grid reforms after the 2021 blackout add extra costs to prevent another disaster.
- Demand for electricity is growing because of new industries, like data centers, that require massive amounts of power.
All of these pressures fall back on everyday people like you who simply want to keep the lights on and the house cool in Houston’s heat.
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What happens if you do not get assistance
For many families, not receiving help means making painful choices. You might recognize some of these situations:
- Selling personal items just to cover a bill.
- Cutting back on groceries or medicine.
- Living with the thermostat set uncomfortably high to save a few dollars.
- Facing shut-off notices and the stress of possible disconnection.
One northeast Houston resident said she had to pawn her jewelry to keep her electricity from being cut last summer. Stories like that are becoming more common, and they show just how much pressure households are under.
What other options are available if you are struggling
Since LIHEAP is the main program in Texas and the funding is limited, many people are turning to smaller community programs. Some nonprofits and churches in Houston help with one-time payments, usually around $200, to keep the lights on. Utility companies like Entergy Texas have also made small donations to support seniors in need.
If you are struggling, here are a few steps you can take:
- Contact BakerRipley to learn when the next application window will open.
- Reach out to local nonprofits or churches that may offer small assistance programs.
- Call your utility provider directly and ask about payment plans or hardship programs.
- Stay updated on state and federal funding changes, since new programs sometimes appear when demand is high.
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